Newbie question about roads

Hungryhill

Hi, complete newbie here. I would like to purchase a road bike, my first after 25+ years! I live quite remotely in the South West and as you can imagine most roads around here are very rough with lots of loose chippings etc. Wet conditions most of the time of course.

I believe that 23c slicks as normally fitted on racing bikes can not be used on this kind of roads. Then again reading the forum it doesn't appear to be a problem for any of you experienced guys who apparently buy and ride racing bikes without any worry.

Should I go ahead, or a cross bike would be a safer option? Thanks for any help.

I'd say give it a go. Maybe try an get a road bike that has room for bigger tyres and mudguards. 25c tyres give a bit more grip and cushioning. You'll soon learn to deal with bumpy roads by using your knees/elbows to absorb the worst jolts. I don't find my road bike with 23c tyres to be much less comfy than my commuting hybrid with 35c tyres. Just take it handy around corners in the wet and you'll be grand.

Hungryhill

Thanks, I usually ride a hybrid with 35c tyres. Heavy, exposed to the wind etc.... I hate it. Most people here buy mtb's but I think it's stupid on tarmac.

I was keen on riding racing bikes when I was young. Now I am 50, but rather than comfort I am actually looking not to fall.

ednwireland

I ride a road bike up her in donegal 25mm tires back wheel needs trueing regularly but i'm quite heavy. can't imagine our roads are any better than yours

That's understandable! In the dry most people will run out of bravery long before they run out of grip. In the wet...take it easy. Also beware of gravel and collections of loose chippings but to be honest I'd be avoiding those on 35c tyres too. If you need further reassurance of what kind kind of roads a road bike can put up with just look at paris-roubaix(you might want to turn a blind eye to all the crashes though!)

Hungryhill

This is the road to my house. This is in the village, you should see around the farms.

I always ride fast over those chippings and cracks in the foreground with my 35c tyres, what would happen with 23c (or even 25c)??

IM0

Hungryhill wrote: »

I always ride fast over those chippings and cracks in the foreground with my 35c tyres, what would happen with 23c (or even 25c)??

to me that looks like a straight road, and its only really when your turning corners/leaning that the bike has a chance of slipping out from under you in gravel or wet. In all probablity it should be fine, 28's by Conti (Continental) GP4000's are a great tyre. ALOT is made of tyre sizes and comfort and traction, but unless your at the opposite ends of whats available 20mm V's 40mm+ there isnt a whole lot of difference with the ones in between TBH.